Endoscopic Minimally Invasive Spinal Stenosis Surgery

An endoscope is an instrument used for visually examining the interior of a bodily canal like the spine (see image) or a hollow organ such as the colon, bladder, or stomach.

Endoscopic minimally invasive spine surgery, a new technique for spinal stenosis surgery, is a term that denotes the use of an endoscope when performing a minimally invasive operation on the cervical or lumbar spine. A thin tube, with a camera attached, is inserted through a small incision in the area where the operation takes place, the images are then cast on a monitor where the surgeon can view and perform the spinal procedure.

Spinal Conditions treated using an Endoscope:

Spinal Stenosis

Pinched Nerves

Degenerative Disc Disease

Bulging/Herniated Discs

Arthritis of the Spine

Facet Disease

Bone Spurs

Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Spine Surgery Benefits

Shorter recovery times

Less anethesia is used

Minimal scarring

Reduced post-operative pain

Endoscopic Spine Surgery Risks

As with any surgery there is the risk of infection, bleeding, and blood clots. The other risk (not really a risk but a disadvantage) associated with endoscopic spine surgery is that only one level may be operated on during the minimally invasive procedure. Therefore, if the patient has a condition across multiple spine levels another operation will have to be performed.